State Auditor Accuses Medicaid Agency Of Coverup

Frankfort, Kentucky – State officials deny they tried to prevent the State Auditor from learning about Medicaid overpayments to a nursing home owned by Tina Connor. The Governor's former mistress operates Birchtree Healthcare in Clinton, Kentucky. Auditor Ed Hatchett says the state's Medicaid Agency tried to withhold information about the extra payments. Hatchett also says the Medicaid office has not managed the debt it is owed, known as "accounts receivable". But, officials with the Medicaid Agency deny both the allegations. They say overpayments to Birchtree Healthcare Nursing Home were not intentionally withheld. Officials say the Department for Medicaid Services is actually reducing the amount it is owed.